RAPID CITY, SD (April 28, 2025) – The South Dakota Mines community gathered this week to celebrate a major milestone in the university’s most ambitious fundraising effort to date—New Heights: The Comprehensive Campaign for South Dakota Mines. With more than $95 million raised toward its $100 million goal, the campaign continues to transform student experiences, strengthen academic programs, and reimagine the university’s future.
Hosted on campus, the final phase launch event was attended by alumni, friends, students, and community partners. The evening included remarks from Marc Vaillancourt, CEO of the South Dakota Mines Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA), and Dr. Brian Tande, president of South Dakota Mines, as well as a moving video presentation capturing the campaign’s wide-reaching impact.
“This campaign was never just about numbers—it’s about transformation,” said Vaillancourt. “Together, we’ve built more than buildings—we’ve built innovation hubs. Together, we’ve funded more than scholarships—we’ve funded dreams and futures. Together, we’ve expanded more than programs—we’ve expanded our university’s capacity to shape industries and transform the world.”
The New Heights Comprehensive Campaign focuses on five strategic pillars:
- Academic and athletic scholarships to ensure access and opportunity for talented students.
- Department and program support to sustain academic excellence and innovation.
- The Nucor Mineral Industries Building, a state-of-the-art facility for research and learning in mining and geology.
- Surbeck Center expansion, enhancing student life and creating a central hub for campus connection.
- Support for CARA, strengthening alumni engagement and philanthropic growth.
The campaign has already generated meaningful outcomes. Stories highlighted during the event include students like Isaac Kenworthy and Heather Rodgers, whose lives were directly changed by donor-funded scholarships and support programs. “We stand just $5 million from our summit,” Vaillancourt shared. “And like any great expedition, our climb has taken courage, commitment, and a community of believers. Because of this community, we can dream bigger, reach further, and achieve more than we ever thought possible.”